Tottenham transfer blow: Mourinho set to throw spanner in the works as Spurs eye 20-year-old

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In October, Tottenham were linked with signing Roma star Ebrima Darboe – but new reports claim Jose Mourinho will scupper his old side’s chances.

Darboe, 20, has broken into Roma’s senior side on occasion. Last season, he was handed six first-team appearances; Mourinho has used him four times.

A real talent, but the Gambia international’s contract situation is one that will attract clubs. His current deal at Roma ends in June 2023.

TuttoMercatoWeb reported in October that Tottenham were interested in nabbing Darboe from Mourinho’s Roma. But now, that is about to end.

A new report from CalcioMercato states that Mourinho is close to extending the Darboe’s deal – tying him down at Roma for the considerable future.

The report states that an extension of another four years is being sorted out – but is unclear as to whether that is from now, or from June 2023.

Darboe to sign deal: Did Tottenham really need Mourinho wonderkid?

Probably not. A defensive midfielder, Spurs are well-stocked in that area as things stand. Oliver Skipp is impressing, alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Harry Winks represents cover, while Gio Lo Celso can also play in the middle of the park. A new signing is expected to be made in January.

Pape Matar Sarr was signed in the summer by Fabio Paratici for around £15million – but he has remained in France, on loan at Metz.

So, with Skipp shining and Sarr to join Spurs next summer, bringing in another young holding midfielder was not really going to make sense.